The MeidasTouch Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode: Trump Kicks Out Press After Shock Tariff Ruling!!
Date: February 20, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas (MeidasTouch Network)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the political and economic fallout after the Supreme Court’s landmark decision overturning Donald Trump’s global tariff policy. The Meiselas brothers provide a mix of legal insight, political analysis, and their signature banter as they break down Trump’s volatile reaction, the economic news of the day, and responses from officials, experts, and commentators. Key topics include Trump’s meltdown, the broader implications for his administration, and the constitutional checks on presidential economic power.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Meltdown After Supreme Court Tariff Ruling

• Summary:
  The episode opens with the hosts detailing Donald Trump’s explosive reaction after the Supreme Court struck down his controversial worldwide tariff policy.
• Memorable Quote (Trump, 02:24):
  “Thank you very much for being here. It's a great honor and the media, thank you. You can leave.”
• Further Revelations (03:12):
  After the press was ejected from a White House meeting with governors, Trump was overheard shouting and cursing:
  “These f---ing courts!” (summarized by host; direct quote censored for broadcast).

2. Supreme Court Decision: Limits on Presidential Power

• Summary:
  The Supreme Court ruled 6 to 3 against Trump’s use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to unilaterally impose tariffs without Congressional approval. The hosts explain that under Article I, Section 8, only Congress can levy taxes, including tariffs.
• Legal Analysis (05:08):
  The law referenced by Trump does not mention tariffs, and the high court affirmed that major changes like imposing tariffs require Congressional action, not just an executive declaration of “emergency.”
• Quote from Neil Patial, lead attorney (18:41):
  “Today, the United States Supreme Court stood up for the rule of law, stood up for Americans everywhere. Its message was simple. Presidents are powerful, but our Constitution is more powerful still. In America, only Congress… can impose taxes on the American people. And that's what tariffs are. Tariffs are taxes.”

3. Economic Fallout: GDP and Inflation Disappointment

• Summary:
  The episode reviews the unexpectedly poor economic indicators: 4th quarter GDP growth was just 1.4% (vs. 3% expected) and inflation (PCE) came in “hotter than expected.” Trump and his officials attempted to blame Democrats but were roundly criticized by hosts for failing to take responsibility.
• Notable Spin (Trump post, 05:08):
  “The Democrat shutdown cost the USA at least two points in GDP. That’s why they are doing it in mini form again…Also lower interest rates. Too late. Powell is the worst president…”
• Host Commentary:
  The brothers lambast Trump’s regime for projecting much higher GDP “(they were telling us it may even come in as high as 5%!)” and note the irony of trying to blame Democrats while controlling the government:
  “Y’all are in charge. Act like freaking leaders for once. Maybe just act like grownups, because it will be major progress for you to simply act like adults.” (09:49)

4. Tariff Repayment Chaos

• Summary:
  With tariffs struck down, the admin now faces a $175–200 billion liability, needing to repay US companies the money collected. The hosts stress that tariffs were always a consumer tax and express skepticism that everyday Americans will see relief from previous price hikes.
• Host Analysis (08:13):
  “It was never paid by countries abroad. It was always incurred – it’s a tax on Americans… now it’s going to be total chaos in the Trump regime as they try to pay back money they unlawfully stole.”

5. Spin and Denials from Trump Officials

• US Economic Advisor Kevin Hassett (10:30):
  • On GDP:
    “The Democrat shutdown took about two percent off the number, according to the Council of Economic Advisers. So if you’re really thinking about, like, what trajectory is the economy on right now, it’s way north of three…”
  • On Inflation (13:02):
    “One of the things that happens, Stu, when you’ve got runaway inflation like we had in the Biden years, is kind of the price of everything is going up…we’re seeing a whole bunch of variation in what’s going up and what’s going down…”
  • On tariffs & criticism of Fed economists (14:09):
    “I probably got a little emotional… I regret if the people who wrote the study [about tariff costs to US consumers] feel like I personally attacked them. That was not my intent.”

6. Media Spin and Skepticism

• CNN, Fox, and Others:
  • Montage of past Trump boasts and economic projections (15:19–16:19):
    Claims of “the golden age of America…job numbers going to blow you away” shown to be hyperbolic and disconnected from current economic reality.
  • Maria Bartiromo Skepticism (17:14):
    “I mean, I’m skeptical too, because you had a close to 5% number just a few months ago and now you’re talking about 1.4%.”

7. Constitutional Triumph & Small Business Victory

• Attorney Reaction (Neil Patial, 18:41):
  • Praise for co-counsel and plaintiffs:
    “So many others were afraid to stand up for the rule of law…[these business owners] have paved the way for relief to tens of thousands of American businesses and hundreds of millions of Americans.”
• Host Emphasis:
  The ruling is cast as a win for democracy, checks and balances, and small business owners.

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• Trump Ejects Press:
  “Thank you very much for being here. It's a great honor and the media thank you. You can leave.” (Donald Trump, 02:24)
• Trump Curses the Courts:
  “These f---ing courts.” (Reported by host, 03:12)
• Supreme Court Protects Rule of Law:
  “Presidents are powerful, but our Constitution is more powerful still… Only Congress can impose taxes on the American people. And that's what tariffs are. Tariffs are taxes.” (Neil Patial, 18:41)
• Hosts on Accountability:
  “Y’all are in charge. Y’all are in charge. Act like freaking leaders for once. Maybe just act like grownups.” (Host, 09:49)
• Kevin Hassett Downplays Criticism:
  “I regret if the people who wrote the study feel like I personally attacked them… That was certainly not my intent.” (Kevin Hassett, 14:09)
• Montage of Trump Boasts:
  “Job numbers in the second half of next year that are going to blow you away…” (Donald Trump, 16:05)

Important Segment Timestamps

• [02:24] Trump kicks out press at governors’ White House meeting
• [03:12] Reports of Trump’s expletive-filled meltdown after ruling
• [05:08] Legal analysis of Supreme Court decision & Trump’s power limits
• [08:13] Discussion of tariff repayment chaos & economic aftermath
• [10:30] Kevin Hassett spins poor GDP numbers
• [13:02] Kevin Hassett on inflation & blaming Biden
• [14:09] Hassett defends his criticism of Fed economists
• [15:19–16:19] Montage of Trump’s economic boasts vs. reality
• [17:14] Maria Bartiromo casts skepticism on GDP numbers
• [18:41] Neil Patial and Sarah Albrecht share victory statements on Supreme Court ruling

Tone & Takeaway

The episode blends sharp legal and economic critique with irreverent, passionate commentary typical of the MeidasTouch brothers. It highlights the ongoing tension between executive overreach and constitutional checks, the human impact of economic policy, and the importance of accountability and transparency at the highest levels of government.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a comprehensive, engaging recap of the episode.